Our Brokers
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Richard Merritt, the owner and principal of Merritt Yacht Brokers, was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale into a family that settled here in the 1920’s. Like his father and grandfather before him, Richard began his career on the water at an early age. His father, the late Captain Buddy Merritt, was a great sport fishing innovator and the builder of the famous "Merritt Boats" at Merritt Boat Yard in Pompano Beach, FL. In 1966 Richard began selling yachts, and 10 years later opened Merritt Yacht Brokers at its present location. Besides being an avid fisherman, Richard is a trophy-winning skeet and trap shooter, and enjoys coin collecting and growing orchids. He and his wife Lucille have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Email Richard at richard@merrittyachts.com
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Originally an Indiana native Charlie moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1955 and graduated from Ft. Lauderdale High in '62, and then from the University of Florida in '66. In college he was captain of the swim team, therefore he naturally moved to water sports and boating. He has had a wide variety of boats that range from a canoe to a 72' Belzean built ketch he chartered throughout the Bahamas for many years.
Charlie gave up chartering when his son Ryan was born and crossed over into the yacht brokerage business were he has been for 22 years now. He has earned his 100-ton USCG license and is a licensed pilot. Charlie has a wide knowledge of many boats and yachts, but his specialty is long-range bluewater vessels, "for the adventurer."
He enjoys flying, cruising in the Bahamas, hunting and spending time with his son who is currently a senior at the United States Air Force Academy. Currently Charlie lives in Ft. Lauderdale with his wife Sonia. Charlie joined the Merritt sales team in 1995. He has excelled as Merritt's Broker of the year for several years including, 2004 and 2006. Charlies motto is simple, "I like boats and I like people who like boats, so selling them is a natural thing for me." Contact Charlie directly on his cell at (954)-614-0242 or at charlie@merrittyachts.com
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Having been raised in many "ports of call" while growing up in a Navy household, Mike Stevenson has the sea in his blood. He has brought his expertise in sales and customer satisfaction to the yachting industry with much success. His attention to detail has made him the top salesman for the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005. He and his wife Debra have one son, Matthew and live in Miami Beach. Email michael@merrittyachts.com
"You and your organization have captured and brought to your clients good old fashioned warmth and kindness, thank you." Joe Curcio, "Risky Business" Chicago, IL
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Charles Baxter was born in Chicago and moved to Fort Lauderdale at age 8, he then began fishing with his grandfather who was an avid yachtsman. The fishing and yachting passion was instilled at a young age. Charles has continued his passion to this day and has some impressive catches from around the world.
Charles has over 22 years of marine related experience from fishing rod manufacturing to marine accessory sales and now yacht brokerage. Charles has a vast knowledge of every type of vessel and will educate you to find that perfect match. Charles' is sincere to his clients and he truly values their long term relationships. He is focused on getting the best yacht for you. Charles' personal qualities of honesty and ethical behavior combined with his great negotiating skills will make you feel confident every step of the way.
Charles' expertise promises to be an asset to Merritt Yacht Brokers and all his clients.Contact Charles Baxter directly on his cell at (561)-818-9913 charles@merrittyachts.com or merrittyachts@gmail.com
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Paul Engel jonied Merritt Yacht Brokers after retiring from American Airlines were he was a pilot for 32 years. Paul has been boating for most of his life. He has cruised the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Atlantic coast, and the Bahamas to name a few. Paul was born in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from Pacific Lutheran College in Tacoma, WA. Paul then enlisted in the United States Navy Submarine service in 1957. He then attended Navy Flight Training in 1960 and recived his Navy Wings & Commissions as Ensign U.S.N. Left Navy in 1966.
Paul has flown many Navy, Airline, and Civil Aircrafts. He has also owned many vessels, fourteen to be exact. Paul logged 42,000 miles Land crusing in a 40' Mt. Aire Motor home thru-out 48 states, Canada and Mexico. Paul's knowledge of boats and the sea is something he has been passionate about for many years now and he would be more than happy to assist you in findig that perfect boat. Contact Paul Engel on his cell at (954)-646-0535 or paul@merrittyachts.com
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Brian Coleman-Charter Agent
Brian Coleman has been in the brokerage and charter business for many years and brings along her experience as a top-notch salesperson. You can contact Brian at (954) 383-1330 or at brian@merrittyachts.com
To see Charter boats visit http://www.charterindex.com/
Matt Rogers-Outside sales
Matt Rogers was born into a boating family and his father was a friend and long time customer of Richard Merritt. At a young age he was introduced to the water racing sailboats and fishing. He graduated from SMU and the aural of water still ran deep. He has a lot of experience from the users end to fishing, navigation, maintenance and all areas of boating. He has traveled all over from the Bahamas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Costa Rica and to the Pacific Islands. Currently Matt lives in Texas and works in the Golf area. Contact Matt on his cell at (713) -857-1336 or at mrogers@priestriverltd.com
Jim Poe-Outside Sales
Contact Jim on his cell at (786)-367-8760 or at hookedupp@aol.com
Mark Bentley-Outside Sales
Contact Mark on his cell at (954)-270-7842 or at mark@merrittyacths.com
Sean Blaise-Outside Sales
Sean Blaise is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the prestigious Maine
Maritime Academy. His love of the water was a result of growing up living
aboard a 30 foot sailboat in Miami, FL for the first 13 years of his life.
He has captained numerous vessels, from 120 foot fast ferries to private
yachts. He as been all over the world having spent 6 years living in
countries such as Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Thailand to name a few. He has
worked professionally in such faraway places such as Tahiti, Fiji and more.
Sean currently holds his 500 Ton Master All Oceans USCG license. He has
studied, worked, lived and sailed on boats all his life and he knows
water and yachts like the back of his hand. Let him help you find the right
yacht to fit your needs! Contact Sean on his cell at (617)-291-1601 or email him at captainblaise@gmail.com